Nocturne (software)
{{Short description|Open-source software for Spotify's Car Thing}}
{{Infobox software
| name = {{PAGENAMEBASE}}
| logo = Nocturne-icon.png
| screenshot = Nocturne-3.0.0.png
| caption =
| author =
| developer = Nocturne Team
| released = {{Start date and age|2024|10|8|df=yes}}
| latest release version = 2.1.1
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2024|12|3|df=yes}}
| repo = {{URL|https://github.com/usenocturne/nocturne-image}}
| qid = Q131441227
| programming language = Shell, Python, JavaScript
| operating system = Debian
| platform = ARM Cortex-A53
| genre = System software
| license = MIT
}}
Nocturne is an open-source software project designed to extend the functionality of Spotify's discontinued Car Thing device.
Background
Spotify released the Car Thing in 2021 as a dashboard-mounted device to control its music streaming service,{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=2021-04-13 |title=Spotify launches its in-car entertainment system 'Car Thing' in US |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/04/13/spotify-launches-an-in-car-entertainment-system-car-thing/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}} but ended production of the device in July 2022, attributing the decision to limited consumer demand and supply chain issues.{{Cite web |last=Benedetto |first=Antonio G. Di |date=2024-05-30 |title=Spotify is refunding Car Thing owners before bricking their devices |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/30/24168081/spotify-car-thing-end-of-life-customer-refund |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=The Verge |language=en}} Spotify officially discontinued support for the Car Thing on December 9, 2024, effectively rendering the device non-functional.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-10 |title=Spotify users refuse to let Car Thing die with new workarounds |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/spotify-car-thing-dead-community-workarounds-3507315/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Android Authority |language=en}}
Software
The software is developed as an open-source initiative, allowing contributors to participate in the project.{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=2024-11-12 |title=Spotify's Car Thing, due for bricking, is getting an open source second life |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/firmware-hacks-are-rejuvenating-spotifys-car-thing-before-the-company-bricks-it/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-US}} While Nocturne enables the device to regain functionality, it relies on additional hardware due to the Car Thing's limited specifications, which include 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage powered by an Amlogic S905D2 SoC.{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Brady |date=2024-06-19 |title=Spotify's Car Thing joins a long list of misguided products always doomed for the landfill |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/spotifys-car-thing-doomed-for-the-landfill/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Android Police |language=en}} Users must pair the Car Thing with a Raspberry Pi to overcome these limitations.{{Cite web |last=King |first=Ashley |date=2024-11-18 |title=An Open Source Mod for Car Thing Is Here — If You Like to Tinker |url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2024/11/17/car-thing-open-source-mod-nocturne/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Digital Music News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Conway |first=Adam |date=2024-11-17 |title=Spotify's Car Thing is more proof that old tech doesn't have to go to waste |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/spotify-car-thing-proof-old-tech/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=XDA |language=en}}
Nocturne functions either in vehicles, similar to the Car Thing's original use, or as a desktop music controller.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-10 |title=Developers keep Spotify Car Thing alive with custom firmware |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/105402-developers-keep-spotify-car-thing-alive-custom-firmware.html |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=TechSpot |language=en-US}} The software offers features such as full playback controls, playlist management, real-time interface updates, and artist and album exploration, requiring a Spotify Premium account to function.{{Cite web |last=Ion |first=Florence |date=2024-12-11 |title=The Dream of Spotify Car Thing Is Being Kept Alive by Devoted Tinkerers |url=https://gizmodo.com/spotify-car-thing-is-being-kept-alive-by-devoted-tinkerers-2000536816 |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-US}}
See also
{{Portal|Free and open-source software}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{improve categories|date=December 2024}}
Category:Open-source intelligence